Your Ultimate Guide to Screen Printing

July 20, 2022

Screen printing is a printing method used by many businesses today and is considered a great way to get your company branded and known by lots of people, investors, and customers alike. According to PR Newswire, the custom t-shirt printing industry is estimated to be valued at approximately $6.9 billion by 2027. But what exactly is screen printing and what techniques are involved in this process? Here, we'll take a look at the different techniques involved in screen printing.



Screen Printing: What Is It?


Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate. This substrate is usually metal, cloth, or paper. The ink gets forced through the mesh using a squeegee, and mesh areas without ink get blocked off by a stencil. Screen printing is a versatile technique for various applications such as decals, posters, and t-shirts. Where can I find screen printing near me? You can find screen printing services in your area by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends and family.



Screen Printing Techniques


If you're wondering "Where can I find screen printing near me?" you need to familiarize yourself with methods used in screen printing. They include:



Stenciling


The most common technique of screen printing is using a stencil to create a design on the screen. Once the stencil is in place, the ink gets applied to the screen before being transferred to the surface it's being printed on. This technique is used in the creation of simple designs or complex ones, depending on the stencils you use.


Another common technique is to use a photograph or another image as a stencil. This is done by first creating a negative image on the screen. The negative image is placed before the ink is applied to the screen and then transferred to the surface you're printing on. This technique is used to create very detailed and eye-catching designs. These include using multiple colors, printing on different types of characters, and using special inks.




Rotary Printing


Rotary printing involves a process in which a rotary printing press is used to print images on a substrate. It's mainly used to print on fabrics, among other materials. The rotary printing press comprises a cylindrical screen mounted on a rotating frame. The frame is mounted on a bed plate attached to the machine. In rotary printing, the substrate is placed on the bed plate while the screen rotates over it. Ink is then applied to the screen, and the image gets printed onto the substrate.



Digital Hybrid


Digital hybrid combines both digital and screen printing technologies. Digital hybrid offers high levels of accuracy and detail, making it ideal for printing complex images. This screen printing technique uses a digital image file to create a stencil, which prints the image onto your preferred substrate. Additionally, digital hybrid printing is faster and more efficient than traditional screen printing, making it a popular choice for commercial printing


If you've been wondering "Where can I find
screen printing near me?" contact AIA Imprint Expert today. We'll provide you with the services for all your screen printing needs!